Deputy prosecutor files suit against boss
A Kauai deputy prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho, alleging retaliation because she is a supporter of the prosecutor’s opponent in the upcoming general election.
Rebecca Vogt filed suit in Kauai Circuit Court Tuesday against Iseri-Carvalho and Kauai County. It was the second lawsuit filed against Iseri-Carvalho in a week.
Vogt has worked at the prosecutor’s office since August 2010. According to the complaint, five attorneys with less seniority were awarded pay raises after they allegedly showed support for Iseri-Carvalho’s re-election.
Vogt, 30, a supporter of opponent Justin Kollar, requested a pay increase but was denied without explanation, the complaint says.
Her performance reviews have all been excellent, according to the suit. Vogt expressed to the prosecutor’s office that Iseri-Carvalho’s alleged rewards to attorneys who supported her campaign was unethical. Thereafter, her workload increased and she was ignored by colleagues when she requested assistance, the suit says.
Vogt went on medical leave two weeks ago relating to stress in the workplace.
Iseri-Carvalho could not be reached for comment. County spokeswoman Beth Tokioka would not comment due to the pending litigation.
Kauai County Councilman Tim Bynum filed a lawsuit Wednesday in federal court against Iseri-Carvalho, Kauai County, and a Kauai Planning Department supervisor for "constitutional violations arising out of abuse of power and malicious prosecution."
Storm generates high surf around islands
A high surf advisory is in effect for the north and west shores of Oahu and Kauai through Monday morning as a storm in the central North Pacific generates a north-northwest swell.
The advisory is also in effect for the north shores of Molokai, Maui and Niihau, the National Weather Service said.
The bureau predicted surf of 15 to 20 feet along the north shores of the islands, and 8 to 12 feet along the west shores, peaking today. The advisory says the surf could lead to dangerous breakers and hazardous rip currents.
A small-craft advisory is also in effect through 6 a.m. Monday for waters within 40 nautical miles (46 statute miles) of Hawaii. The forecast includes scattered showers and winds of 20 knots (23 mph) through Tuesday night, and waves of 8 feet today, Monday and Tuesday.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Candidates talk about energy
Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and former Mayor Harry Kim touched on geo-thermal energy and the economy in a debate Friday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Both candidates pledged to support expanding geothermal energy but also promised close monitoring to protect the safety of nearby residents, West Hawaii Today reported.
Kenoi said evacuation plans are in place should something go wrong.
Kim, former county Civil Defense chief, agreed there are evacuation plans in Puna. But he wants to ensure that a plant planned for West Hawaii is built to the highest standards.
Kenoi touted his recent success stimulating the tourism sector and his work bringing international flights back to Kona, after the loss of Japan Air Lines earlier in his tenure. He said there are 8 percent more visitors this year than this time last year, spending 16 percent more, he said.
Kim said he’d push to ensure the county keeps its share of the transient accommodations tax.
Class promotes healthy habits
The Maui County Office on Aging will sponsor a healthy living workshop beginning Oct. 2 on Molokai.
This workshop will provide information, tools and support to people of all ages who are interested in incorporating healthier habits into their lives.
The workshop series will run on six consecutive Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the site of the former Home Pumehana senior center in Kaunakakai.
The cost is $10 for those 60 and older and $35 for those under 60. Space is limited to 15 per class.
To register, call Jan Roberson at 270-8221 or call Tania Joao on Molokai at 213-1007.
